The West Island lost some memorable community figures in 2006. Their presence will be missed, but their legacies will remain.

Rona Cupak, Lester B. Pearson School Board commissioner, died in a car accident on Nov. 7. She was 47.

An ardent supporter of public education, Cupak had long been involved in the school system. She began as a parent volunteer at Evergreen Elementary School in 1991 and was a commissioner for the provisional council in 1998 when the Lester B. Pearson School Board was formed. At the same time she was a special commissioner for the Lakeshore School Board. Cupak organized the ‘West of 201’ campaign, which brought numerous Vaudreuil-Soulanges municipalities in to the LBPSB in 2000. In 2003, Cupak was elected as the commissioner for St. Lazare/Hudson West. She sat on various Pearson committees, including facilities and security, pupil place needs, transportation and education.

The Pearson Foundation, a charitable organization has set up a memorial fund in Cupak’s name. At her husband’s request, the money raised will go to purchasing food and clothing for needy children. Gregory Campbell at the foundation noted that the first order of business will be buying winter boots. “If people wish to donate it can be done at the Pearson Foundation. It’s at 1925 Brookdale, in Dorval.�

Cupak is survived by her husband, Richard Deslauriers, and their four sons, Christopher, Brandon, Jonathan and Dylan.

Another Lester B. Pearson figure lost in 2006 was Charleen Graham, director of schools for Sector 2. She died Sept. 25 after a17-month struggle with cancer that ended peacefully at the West Island Palliative Care Residence.

Graham spent most of her career as a teacher working with special needs students in the Lakeshore School Board. She was also president of the Lakeshore Teacher’s Association. She worked for the both the Lakeshore and Pearson school boards as the assistant director and director of personnel. She was integral in the founding of the LBPSB and bringing together its new staff from different school boards. Her memory will always be preserved, as the school board has renamed a library in her honour. The Charleen Graham Professional Library is found in the board’s main office in Dorval.

The volunteering community was not without loss. Susan Armstrong has left her permanent stamp on the West Island volunteering scene. Armstrong co-founded the Missing Children’s Network in 1985, and worked as the director of Volunteer West Island from 2000 to ’06. She died while at work last June in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. She was 54. Her community work was recognized in 1999 when she received the Order of Canada from the Governor General.

Richard Yates, president of the board of directors at Volunteer West Island noted that Armstrong’s drive and determination allowed for the local Meal on Wheels program to expand from 46,000 a year to 55,000. She also was integral in starting a home support program for senior residents of the community which provided companionship, and a frozen meal program to supplement hot meals.

Armstrong had plans to expand her

program, and offer seniors hot meals five times a week. Unfortunately, she never got that chance. Armstrong is survived by her daughter Solona, mother, stepfather, six

sisters and a brother.

Gordon Robertson was another staple in the West Island for many decades. He died peacefully in July. He was 87.

He was involved with coaching hockey, academic life, and Valois United Church where he had been a long time parishioner. Learning was the most important thing to Robertson. His commitment to personal progress is made tangible in the Gordon Robertson Career Centre in Beaconsfield.

Involved with community life at Lindsay Place High School in Pointe Claire, Robertson was integral in creating the school’s Charter of Rights and Responsibilities alongside then-principal Jim Mackinnon.

To commemorate his work, the school created an annual award in his name in 1990, the Gordon Robertson Citizenship Award. It is given to the student who best exemplifies Robertson’s commitment to community spirit. Since Robertson’s death, the award has been renamed the Gordon Robertson Citizen Trophy. His legacy of learning and community live on in these institutions.

The world of West Island football is without one of their most beloved members.

Glenn McHugh, known affectionately as Coach McHugh, died unexpectedly last March. He was 55. His commitment to the North Shore Football league was second only to that of his family.

His love for the game of football and teaching it were one. Son Justin said his passion for the game stemmed from his insistence on teaching kids. Lessons were learned both on and off the field. Winning was not the ultimate object, playing with dignity and honesty and acting with respect were what mattered to McHugh. In November, Dollard des Ormeaux city council adopted a motion to name the football field at Dollard des Ormeaux Park, Glenn Francis McHugh Field.

A fund was also set up in McHugh’s name, with a goal of raising $25,000 each year to give to local community organizations.